Bond issue barely passes

It was a long night of waiting for Whitehouse ISD officials, as the school's $15 million bond issue passed by just 34 votes, according to unofficial election results. Voters approved the funds for a new elementary school by a 50.34 to 49.66 percent margin, with 2,514 voting yes and 2,480 saying no.

"The district is excited about the positive outcome of the bond election held held on Tuesday," said Supt. Dennis Miller, who acknowledged surprise at the closeness of the voting. "We offer thanks on behalf of our students to the citizens who cast votes in the election."

"To our knowledge, it's the largest voter turnout ever for a bond issue," added Miller.

Votes on the bond issue will be canvassed at a special called meeting on Thursday, Nov. 16, at 7:30 a.m.

Smith County voters approved the formation of Emergency Services District #2 by a close but comfortable margin of 56.71 percent to 43.29 percent, or 8,958 votes for and 6,838 against The special taxing district will cover areas of Smith County not served by Tyler or ESD #1 in Lindale, as well as the City of Whitehouse, which opted out of the proposal.

"Fire protection in this area will probably enter a new era of equipment and facilities, and it all depends on how the ESD is operated," said Russ Obar, city administrator of Troup. "Now that the citizens have said we're willing to pay for quality fire protection, it'll be up to the ESD board to make sure it's provided in an equitable and good fashion."

Although the city opted out, Whitehouse's extraterritorial jurisdiction, which extends approximately one mile outside the city limits, will be included in the ESD.

Voters in Smith, Rusk and Cherokee County voted overwhelmingly Republican, with only one race going to a Democratic candidate: incumbent Chuck Hopson defeated Larry K. Durrett (R) and Paul Story (L), for State Rep. District 11, receiving 45.41 percent of the vote.

Smith County Judge Joel Baker ran uncontested, while Republican candidates Linda Hodges and Chris Davis defeated Democratic challengers Preston Meador and Jerr y Weaver in Rusk and Cherokee counties respectively.

In other Rusk County races:

Bailey Moseley (R) defeated Ben Franks (D) for Justice, 6th Court of Appeals District, Place 2 with 65.16 percent of the vote.

In other Cherokee County results: Don McLeroy (R) defeated Maggie Charleton (D) for a place on the State Board of Education, District 9, with 64.14 percent of the vote; and Bascom Bentley III (R) ran uncontested for District Judge, 369th Judicial District.

Bullard ISD voters okayed a $28.5 million bond issue.